Food and Plant Science Drivers
How do the host onion plant and pathogenic fungus (Fusarium) interact at different stages of development?
The resilience of the onion plant to Fusarium is critically related to specific stages in its development. Advanced imaging of the Fusarium–onion interaction at different wavelengths – X-ray, visible and infrared (IR) – from growth through to the postharvest period, combined with an analysis of the onion's nutrients will elucidate the process of virulence. In the proposed study, the biochemical responses of the plant at each developmental stage will be correlated with those of the fungus.
The student will have access to multi-disciplinary learning and research along with the expertise of professional working groups at the collaborating universities and Diamond Light Source (DLS) in the fields of plant husbandry, imaging, mycology, mass spectrometry and structural biology for an integrated approach.
Key Objectives
The aim of this project is to decipher the spatial colonisation and pathogenesis of F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae on onions by assessing the physical and biochemical changes that take place during bulb growth in response to the disease. This knowledge is essential for early disease detection, crop health assessment and the establishment of effective crop-storage management strategies to reduce food losses and minimise further disease spread in onion production.
Cutting-Edge Research Methods
A series of state-of-the-art imaging techniques will be examined and evaluated in order to study the interaction between Fusarium and onions.
Professional Collaboration
At University 1, the student will be a member of two groups:
At DLS, the student will be a member of the IR beamline group where:
At University 2, the student will learn and apply the following:
Expert Supervision
Co-supervision from the above-mentioned University 1 groups will enable the researcher to attend MSc course modules in the university's Applied Bioinformatics, Food Systems and Management, and Future Food Sustainability courses, providing excellent background knowledge on data analysis, programming, food diagnostics, food mycology and the food security agenda. Moreover, through its Doctoral Researchers’ Core Development programme, University 1 delivers training in project and time management, scientific writing skills, statistics and data management, and presentation skills.
At DLS, there will be world-leading training in IR microscopy and imaging with comprehensive data analysis, utilising machine-learning classification tools for hyperspectral imaging. The student will develop expertise in high resolution imaging and microanalysis, including sample preparation.
The student will additionally undertake placements at an onion growers' association, to familiarise themselves with relevant industrial standards and practices, and University 2.
Time Division
The student will spend approximately 50% of their time at University 1 (with some of this time apportioned to the onion growers' association and University 2) and 50% at Diamond Light Source Ltd, the UK’s national synchrotron science facility, located at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.
Attributes of Suitable Applicants
(1) A background and/or experience in biophysics or biochemistry is desirable, but not mandatory.
(2) Experience with machine vision or imaging, microscopy or spectroscopy is desirable.
(3) Skills in either plant biomechanics or microbiology would be appropriate for this project, although training will be made available according to the student's needs.
(4) An interest in the agrifood sector with the right focus on new bioimaging methodologies would also be an asset.
This project would be funded for four years by Diamond Light Source Ltd and the other collaborating institution(s). Successful students will receive a stipend of no less than the standard UKRI stipend rate, currently set at £18,622 for the academic year 2023 to 2024 (the rates for subsequent academic years have not been published), plus a £2,000 per annum stipend top-up.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The FoodBioSystems DTP is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), to building a doctoral researcher (DR) and staff body that reflects the diversity of society, and to encouraging applications from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. Our actions to promote diversity and inclusion are detailed on the FoodBioSystems DTP website.
This Project is co-funded by Diamond and subject to final agreement signed with the academic partners
Diamond Light Source is the UK's national synchrotron science facility, located at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.
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